James Patterson

Brian Harkin/Photo for the Tribune

A walk with Patterson on the BEA floor is equal parts discourse on the state of publishing; serial acceptance of sincere warm thanks for his work on behalf of independent bookstores; and victory lap of the conqueror.

A walk with Patterson on the BEA floor is equal parts discourse on the state of publishing; serial acceptance of sincere warm thanks for his work on behalf of independent bookstores; and victory lap of the conqueror. (Brian Harkin/Photo for the Tribune)

A walk with Patterson on the BEA floor is equal parts discourse on the state of publishing; serial acceptance of sincere warm thanks for his work on behalf of independent bookstores; and victory lap of the conqueror.